Including the boy Wax Romeo at his finest.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
HALLOWEINER
Saturday we have a crazy Hallwoeen party at the Theatre Junction Grand in Calgary. Tickets are sold out but you might be able to get some if you murder someone who has some and take their tickets.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
From London!
I will obviously go into further detail on EVERYTHING once I return to America, but for now, I'm here!! After a long, momentous plane ride full of the Clash, Led Zeppelin, The Brothers Bloom twice, and my nose pressed to the glass of the window as I gaped at the world below -- I arrived at Heathrow! I was detained for unusual reasons, but after much waiting, I was released into the world. I changed into flat shoes because heeled boots were the worst idea, and trucked along the Underground with my suitcase in tow. Three kind men stopped me throughout the morning and asked if they could help, it was MUCH appreciated. Drinks in Leicester Square, where I looked so tired and out of it (jetlag!) that my waiter asked, "Big party last night?" My sister and I played MASH (a la junior high) and I had five hundred fictitious babies with a random passerby. Then more public transportation to where I am staying. I took an eleven hour nap, and now its 7AM and I'm wired. I want to go out and have breakfast and walk along the streets! My sister and our friend whom we are staying with are both passed out still, so obviously that will have to wait. I have no idea what is on the agenda for today, but I do have to buy an adapter for my computer! I also need to make up some sort of itinerary (which I need my computer for!) because I'm far too controlling to have no sense of schedule. Once I figure out my computer madness, I'll be able to at least post non-London related photos for you all :)
YAAAAYY!!! Now -- to attempt to sleep more, simply because there is nothing else to do. Lovelovelove! xo.
End of Day Two Update: Went grocery shopping and spent eight pounds on ice cream, creme cheese and crackers, orange juice, muffins, and really yummy chocolate with caramel in the middle. I'm no pro at grocery shopping, so I felt sufficiently successful. I also got an adapter for my computer. Then took the tube all around London. First to Oxford Street, where I gallivanted around TopShop's ENORMOUS flagship store. I bought a skirt and a dress, and they are fucking wonderful. Then to former Sixties mecca, Carnaby Street, where I bought a tank top from American Apparel. It was such a cute little area! Then keeping with the theme of momentous streets, it was off to King's Road. The shops had already closed, and luckily I had had my fill of shopping, but it was fun to walk and conquer it. I had 99p sandwich from the kiosk in one of the stations as my dinner. Now I'm rather exhausted, and ready to sleep! Then its another day of exciting adventures. I looovvveeee it here. Prancing around the streets to the Kinks, the Clash, and The Harder They Come soundtrack. Such fun.
So yeah, I've been here for... six days, or something? I grew tired to constantly posting, so just expect one (or two, or more?) extravagant posts when I return to America. (November 3rd!) To sum it up simply: Laughs and drinks with foreigners, Abbey Road, Parliament, London Eye, British Music Experience @ the 02, mastering the London Underground and perhaps even inheriting the dreary, nonchalant look the locals have while riding it, and that's just the best of it! I've fallen crazy in love with London Calling, hence why I mentioned the Clash twice already. Ironically, the fact that I'm IN London has nothing to do with it, its just some mystical coincidence. I've been listening to it numerous times a day (no less than two!) and it hits me in an unexpected way each time! I would have never pegged myself to be a Clash person, simply because punk has never been my thing. But London Calling is a brilliant mash-up of punk, ska, pop, soul, reggae, and rockabilly. Its kind of like punk's answer to Exile on Main St. A smooth blend of all things influential. The wild punk gusto remains in tact, but still, you have wonderfully melodic and poignant tunes. Even when its not too chipper, you still want to bob your head and be happy. They are the perfect soundtrack for this trip. Even so, I've also been listening to: Pink Floyd (while walking to Abbey Road, obviously), The Beatles (during and post- Abbey Road, duh), as mentioned The Harder They Come and the Kinks (also perfect!), and Physical Graffiti while stomping past Parliament, which was just surreal. To actually be here is just jarring in a way that I can't yet comprehend. And its only getting better! Until another day full of unfathomable brilliance, I must do homework. Meeeehhh!
End of Day Two Update: Went grocery shopping and spent eight pounds on ice cream, creme cheese and crackers, orange juice, muffins, and really yummy chocolate with caramel in the middle. I'm no pro at grocery shopping, so I felt sufficiently successful. I also got an adapter for my computer. Then took the tube all around London. First to Oxford Street, where I gallivanted around TopShop's ENORMOUS flagship store. I bought a skirt and a dress, and they are fucking wonderful. Then to former Sixties mecca, Carnaby Street, where I bought a tank top from American Apparel. It was such a cute little area! Then keeping with the theme of momentous streets, it was off to King's Road. The shops had already closed, and luckily I had had my fill of shopping, but it was fun to walk and conquer it. I had 99p sandwich from the kiosk in one of the stations as my dinner. Now I'm rather exhausted, and ready to sleep! Then its another day of exciting adventures. I looovvveeee it here. Prancing around the streets to the Kinks, the Clash, and The Harder They Come soundtrack. Such fun.
So yeah, I've been here for... six days, or something? I grew tired to constantly posting, so just expect one (or two, or more?) extravagant posts when I return to America. (November 3rd!) To sum it up simply: Laughs and drinks with foreigners, Abbey Road, Parliament, London Eye, British Music Experience @ the 02, mastering the London Underground and perhaps even inheriting the dreary, nonchalant look the locals have while riding it, and that's just the best of it! I've fallen crazy in love with London Calling, hence why I mentioned the Clash twice already. Ironically, the fact that I'm IN London has nothing to do with it, its just some mystical coincidence. I've been listening to it numerous times a day (no less than two!) and it hits me in an unexpected way each time! I would have never pegged myself to be a Clash person, simply because punk has never been my thing. But London Calling is a brilliant mash-up of punk, ska, pop, soul, reggae, and rockabilly. Its kind of like punk's answer to Exile on Main St. A smooth blend of all things influential. The wild punk gusto remains in tact, but still, you have wonderfully melodic and poignant tunes. Even when its not too chipper, you still want to bob your head and be happy. They are the perfect soundtrack for this trip. Even so, I've also been listening to: Pink Floyd (while walking to Abbey Road, obviously), The Beatles (during and post- Abbey Road, duh), as mentioned The Harder They Come and the Kinks (also perfect!), and Physical Graffiti while stomping past Parliament, which was just surreal. To actually be here is just jarring in a way that I can't yet comprehend. And its only getting better! Until another day full of unfathomable brilliance, I must do homework. Meeeehhh!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
I'VE GOT A BID BITE!!!
This past week, when we had the Dust La Rock art opening at the Hifi, I noticed a real occult vibe througout. Must have stuck with me because I've spent the last 30 minutes watching snake videos. This one is the best one found. It starts with these two nature dickheads spelunking through bat shit doing what they describe in their own words as "looking for snakes". It's scary as shit at first, and then turns into one of the top 10 funniest things I've seen around the 1:30 mark, when he gets bitten and keeps repeating the same thing. Check these fucking guys out:
He doesn't die...cause these two dicks go back...watch:
Never had the urge to wrestle a snake.
He doesn't die...cause these two dicks go back...watch:
Never had the urge to wrestle a snake.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Le Luci Bianche Rigettiano
Our great homie and main man Ryan Ford made this really cool mix, in his words (I've been listening to it while making love) :
So I wanted to do a mix like this for a really long time. This is a cooling out, tooling around, working on art, making love, driving, eating pizza sort of mix. It is fairly different to the type of music I usually play in the club. This mix has an ebb and flow that is very different from slanging bangers for the people at the club. It reminds me a lot of the way I used to make tapes (or try anyway) when I use to DJ at some raves in 98-99. I hope you enjoy dis mate.
Ryanello Fordinho
Le Luci Bianche Rigettiano Mix 2009
http://www.myspace.com/djfordinho
Tracklisting:
Osborne - Wait a minute
Runaway - Brooklyn Club Jam
Eli Escobar - Good Time
Only Fools and Horses - Spectacle wins ( Holy Ghost! Remix)
Touch Sensitive - Body Stop
Zwicker - Who you are (Junior Boys Remix)
Relation - Your tiny mind ( Lifelike Remix)
Empire of the Sun - We are the People (Shazam Remix)
Phonat - Set me free
Bent - Always (Trevor Lovey's Remix)
Major Lazer - Cash Flow (Classixx Glass Bottom Dub Mix)
The Glass - Wanna be dancin' (Nadastrom Dub Edit)
Monochrome - Pearl
Roland Clark and The Montanas - Music Taking (Fred Falke Remix)
Farley Jackmaster Funk - Love can't turn around (Lifelike Remix)
Dam-Funk- Purple
Egyptian Lover - I Cry (Night After Night)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
10
When Grimey and I started Hai Karate we wanted to play every good style of dance music on one night. At that time nobody did it. Thanks everybody for all the support.
"I don't care about rules. In fact, if I don't break the rules at least 10 times in every song then I'm not doing my job properly." - Jeff Beck
First, in addition to that titillating Jeff Beck quote, I've discovered a few others absolutely worth sharing. Three that literally made me giggle to myself:
"Musically, we're more talented than any Bob Dylan or Paul McCartney. Mick Jagger can't produce a sound. I'm the new Elvis." -- Milli Vanilli "singer" Rob Pilatus
"We were doing a charity show and he (Jeff Beck) actually came down with Jimmy Page... They were both playing "air guitar" as they watched us (laughter)... It was very odd!" -- Jim McCarty, Yardbirds
"Once we played at the Fillmore opposite the Cream. Eric Clapton was there and he played his ass off that night. Backstage, Michael Bloomfield introduced me to Eric, and Eric was so nice. He came up to me, put his arms around me and said 'Barry, it's such a pleasure to meet you.' I couldn't figure it out, then Michael told me that he had told Eric I had cancer and two months to live..." -- Barry Goldberg, Electric Flag
And one that simply makes sense:
"So I was in love a lot of the time, but mostly with guys in bands that I had never met. For me, knowing that Brian Jones was out there, and later that Iggy Pop was out there, made it kind of hard for me to get too interested in the guys that were around me. I had, uh, bigger things in mind." -- Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders (HOW did I not know she had a baby with Ray Davies?!) Because who wants to hang out with some average chump?
With all that taken care of, here is a collection of photos of famous musicians in their parents house. I love this set, I believe it ran in Time.
Eric Clapton, with his grandma.
A pregnant Grace Slick.
David Crosby.
Elton John.
Donovan on the left, the Jacksons on the right.
Frank Zappa.
Ritchie Havens.
Joe Cocker.
Ginger Baker.
Grace Slick with her baby.
Lastly, London!!! I leave the day after tomorrow. I'm so wildly excited. Sometimes I'll just remind myself and I'll yell at whoever is around me, "Holy shit! I'm going to LONDON!" It was be a momentous occasion, no doubt, and I'm fully prepared to have the best week+ of my life. My mind is elsewhere, so I'm not really pushing my creative juices to flow, hence why I basically relied on the brilliance of others to make this post what it is. But I've fully recovered from the flu, my clothes are laundered, and ready to be packed! It's nearly 3AM here in California, so I think once the Cars' stunning debut album comes to a close, it'll be bedtime for me. I have to wake up early tomorrow (no bueno!) and possibly pick up a few last minute items for the trip (i.e. electrical adapters, boots! -- because it seems flats and heels won't be appropriate for the climate, maybe the Halloween costume I have yet to choose, disposable cameras, gloves, and a tape recorder, to be explained at a later date). To conclude this ramble, let me say that I have been facebook-free for almost a week! I decided I am on the internet far too much, and went as far as deactivating my facebook. I don't know the hour-by-hour activities of my friends, and I realize it's kind of refreshing, haha. I'll bring it back to life before I depart, but I will keep my time on it to a minimum! I hope life is treating you all magnificently. I can certainly say all is well on this end, xo.
"Musically, we're more talented than any Bob Dylan or Paul McCartney. Mick Jagger can't produce a sound. I'm the new Elvis." -- Milli Vanilli "singer" Rob Pilatus
"We were doing a charity show and he (Jeff Beck) actually came down with Jimmy Page... They were both playing "air guitar" as they watched us (laughter)... It was very odd!" -- Jim McCarty, Yardbirds
"Once we played at the Fillmore opposite the Cream. Eric Clapton was there and he played his ass off that night. Backstage, Michael Bloomfield introduced me to Eric, and Eric was so nice. He came up to me, put his arms around me and said 'Barry, it's such a pleasure to meet you.' I couldn't figure it out, then Michael told me that he had told Eric I had cancer and two months to live..." -- Barry Goldberg, Electric Flag
And one that simply makes sense:
"So I was in love a lot of the time, but mostly with guys in bands that I had never met. For me, knowing that Brian Jones was out there, and later that Iggy Pop was out there, made it kind of hard for me to get too interested in the guys that were around me. I had, uh, bigger things in mind." -- Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders (HOW did I not know she had a baby with Ray Davies?!) Because who wants to hang out with some average chump?
With all that taken care of, here is a collection of photos of famous musicians in their parents house. I love this set, I believe it ran in Time.
Eric Clapton, with his grandma.
A pregnant Grace Slick.
David Crosby.
Elton John.
Donovan on the left, the Jacksons on the right.
Frank Zappa.
Ritchie Havens.
Joe Cocker.
Ginger Baker.
Grace Slick with her baby.
Lastly, London!!! I leave the day after tomorrow. I'm so wildly excited. Sometimes I'll just remind myself and I'll yell at whoever is around me, "Holy shit! I'm going to LONDON!" It was be a momentous occasion, no doubt, and I'm fully prepared to have the best week+ of my life. My mind is elsewhere, so I'm not really pushing my creative juices to flow, hence why I basically relied on the brilliance of others to make this post what it is. But I've fully recovered from the flu, my clothes are laundered, and ready to be packed! It's nearly 3AM here in California, so I think once the Cars' stunning debut album comes to a close, it'll be bedtime for me. I have to wake up early tomorrow (no bueno!) and possibly pick up a few last minute items for the trip (i.e. electrical adapters, boots! -- because it seems flats and heels won't be appropriate for the climate, maybe the Halloween costume I have yet to choose, disposable cameras, gloves, and a tape recorder, to be explained at a later date). To conclude this ramble, let me say that I have been facebook-free for almost a week! I decided I am on the internet far too much, and went as far as deactivating my facebook. I don't know the hour-by-hour activities of my friends, and I realize it's kind of refreshing, haha. I'll bring it back to life before I depart, but I will keep my time on it to a minimum! I hope life is treating you all magnificently. I can certainly say all is well on this end, xo.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
CARTS OF DARKNESS
Just watched this documentary by Canadian director, Murray Siple, about homeless dudes in Vancouver who race carts. To be fair, it's not just about that, but I've seen these guys bombing down the hills in North Van like a fuckin' Meatloaf song. Also, I think our very own DJ Pat Chez selected the soundtrack, or at least it fucking looks like it. Only an hour, definitely worth a look-see.
"Murray Siple's feature-length documentary follows a group of homeless men who have combined bottle picking with the extreme sport of racing shopping carts down the steep hills of North Vancouver. This subculture depicts street life as much more than the stereotypes portrayed in mainstream media. The film takes a deep look into the lives of the men who race carts, the adversity they face and the appeal of cart racing despite the risk. Shot in high-definition and featuring tracks from Black Mountain, Ladyhawk, Vetiver, Bison, and Alan Boyd of Little Sparta."
"Murray Siple's feature-length documentary follows a group of homeless men who have combined bottle picking with the extreme sport of racing shopping carts down the steep hills of North Vancouver. This subculture depicts street life as much more than the stereotypes portrayed in mainstream media. The film takes a deep look into the lives of the men who race carts, the adversity they face and the appeal of cart racing despite the risk. Shot in high-definition and featuring tracks from Black Mountain, Ladyhawk, Vetiver, Bison, and Alan Boyd of Little Sparta."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
DnB?
Who listens to that stuff anymore? Not me / meep. Here's a couple toons that I'm not phazing out to these days...
post pre-millenial tension
pre-pre-millenial tension
soul patrol
post pre-millenial tension
pre-pre-millenial tension
soul patrol
DUST LA ROCK
This week we are presenting Dust La Rock's Best of the Beast art show at Giant 45 and The Hifi Club. He is the man behind Fools Gold Records' amazing artwork and we're huge fans of this guy. If you're in Calgary right now you dont want to miss this. Please click on the artwork above for more info - see you this week.
Monday, October 19, 2009
thrifty decor
So Shawn and I have moved into our new house and in the living room we have this huge blank wall that I've been dying to fill up.
I like the idea of a picture wall because I have sooo many pictures but I didn't like the idea of the messy, a million different frames of all different shapes and sizes putting holes in the wall. So I decided to do something more organized and refined but still use pictures. I found this idea in a home decorating magazine where a lady had four related pictures of her family professional framed and matted and hung on a wall. I liked the idea but didn't want to spend $400 to do it. So I kind of came up with my own related idea and here it is....
First things first I headed to Hobby Lobby my favorite store in the world.
I shopped around for some frames and it turned out that day they had 50% off all frames. yay! so I bought four 9x12 frames for half off of $13.99 each ($28.00 total).
Then I headed to the paper section and bought some fun 12x12 scrapbook paper for 10 cents each that would go well with our home decor.
I also bought some large chipboard letters for 4.99...
and 4 yards of some black rope for 1.99/ yard.
I then headed to CVS and printed four 8x10's of the pictures I wanted to hang for about 1.99 each after my cvs card discount.
When I got home I spray painted 4 of my large chipboard letters black with some extra black all-purpose spraypaint I had in the garage.
I then cut each scrapbook paper to fit inside the frames
And taped each picture to a piece of scrapbook paper and put each photo in the frames....
Then i checked with Tozer to get his opinion on how it was looking.
He approved!
The trickiest part after this was hanging each picture on the wall EVENLY, then using a nail to hang the rope above the frames so it looks like the rope is hanging it up. After that I simply used some black thread to tie to the letters and hang them on the nails and this is how it turned out......
So I transformed our boring wall for a total of $48.00! Hope you all have a blessed day!
-Emily
I like the idea of a picture wall because I have sooo many pictures but I didn't like the idea of the messy, a million different frames of all different shapes and sizes putting holes in the wall. So I decided to do something more organized and refined but still use pictures. I found this idea in a home decorating magazine where a lady had four related pictures of her family professional framed and matted and hung on a wall. I liked the idea but didn't want to spend $400 to do it. So I kind of came up with my own related idea and here it is....
First things first I headed to Hobby Lobby my favorite store in the world.
I shopped around for some frames and it turned out that day they had 50% off all frames. yay! so I bought four 9x12 frames for half off of $13.99 each ($28.00 total).
Then I headed to the paper section and bought some fun 12x12 scrapbook paper for 10 cents each that would go well with our home decor.
I also bought some large chipboard letters for 4.99...
and 4 yards of some black rope for 1.99/ yard.
I then headed to CVS and printed four 8x10's of the pictures I wanted to hang for about 1.99 each after my cvs card discount.
When I got home I spray painted 4 of my large chipboard letters black with some extra black all-purpose spraypaint I had in the garage.
I then cut each scrapbook paper to fit inside the frames
And taped each picture to a piece of scrapbook paper and put each photo in the frames....
Then i checked with Tozer to get his opinion on how it was looking.
He approved!
The trickiest part after this was hanging each picture on the wall EVENLY, then using a nail to hang the rope above the frames so it looks like the rope is hanging it up. After that I simply used some black thread to tie to the letters and hang them on the nails and this is how it turned out......
So I transformed our boring wall for a total of $48.00! Hope you all have a blessed day!
-Emily
Songs I'm Into at the Moment, Part Two.
When I took my first stab at this, I came up with such a list, I decided to break it into the two. The latter list contained the likes of the Beatles, Chuck Berry, Joe Walsh, Led Zeppelin, and the Band. Revisiting that list to write tonight's post, I realized I'd much rather write about what I'm into now. With my speakers now amplifying these tunes, and placing my entire digital catalog within reach once again, I've discovered a few new jams, and others have come back to play. Here's the best of the lot...
"Should I Stay or Should I Go", The Clash, Combat Rock.
I'm falling into a big Clash phase. I'm excited and welcoming it with open arms. Obviously, this is a classic and known by all. It has no relevance to my Clash phase, but I'm simply enthralled by a few aspects. A) I fucking love Mick Jones, and his voice. It's awkward, it's rough, and it's far from perfect, but it just works so well. It's classically English, and a little dopey, and I really love it. B) The Spanish backing vocals!!! Such fun. The Clash's recordings just make me think they were the funnest bunch to be around. I've never had any attitude of desire towards that late Seventies punk movement, but the Clash make me want to have been a part of it! I'm sure Joe Strummer's shitty Ecuadorian Spanish has a bit to do with that. That, in addition to the overall cat-call feel of the vocals by all (i.e. "Split!") rouse me with great joy.
"Goodbye Blue Sky", Pink Floyd, The Wall.
Another song I'm more than familiar with, but its haunting melody is just that -- haunting, lingering. It's a song I can't skip when it comes on, and I may even have to play it more than once. With David Gilmour's ever-tranquil vocals, matched with his delicate and masterful guitar work, yet contrasted by the sinister theme and tone of the overall song -- it's a prime example of Pink Floyd serving up sheer brilliance in an uncharacteristically short amount of time. In less than three minutes, I am transcended and its all because of the intricately layered vocals, soothing guitars, and moody synthesizers. Pink Floyd hasn't been too active in my realm lately, but I feel a resurgence coming on.
"Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", Jeff Beck, Wired.
Oh, Jeff Beck. I loved you in the Yardbirds, and I gobble up those brilliant three minute pop songs. I hate three minute pop songs, but oh, you guys did them to perfection. But what is truly a testament to Jeff's title of "guitar genius/god/absolutely brilliant and underrated" are his biggest solo successes, Blow by Blow and Wired. I prefer Blow by Blow to Wired, but I'm currently absolutely captivated by Jeff's take on Mingus' jazz classic. I listened to both records last night, in utter darkness as I attempted to drift into slumber. With nothing but his otherworldly sounds to focus on, the albums took on an entirely new significance. More than ever before, his sheer talent was blindingly obvious. Within the five-plus minutes, he conjures up raunchy noises, beautiful melodies, and hypnotic riffs. He does things with his guitar that no one else comes close to, and it literally is trance-worthy. There is such warmth and precision in his playing, but its also laced with spontaneity. I don't know a thing about guitar technicalities, but what I do know is emotion. Jeff Beck certainly stirs them within me, and he doesn't even say a fucking word.
"Sleeping", The Band, Stage Fright.
Unlike Jeff Beck, Richard Manuel absolutely took advantage of his voice to do that soul stirring, and he was an utter pro. Emulating the great masters of crooning that the Band loved so much, Richard himself could have taught course on eternally soulful and heartfelt performances. While this song wax poetic about sleeping in, "to be called by noon is to be called too soon", Richard masterfully uses his whopping voice to calmly serenade. The Band is rollicking behind him, which Robbie taking a typically simple, choppy, shredding solo. This is all enjoyable, but its Richard's sly hopping between the bold chorus and the elegant and fragile verses that make the track a gem worth remembering.
"Mother's Little Helper", The Rolling Stones, Aftermath.
This song never caught my attention, until I went through a phase where I played the astounding Hot Rocks compilation over and over. I spun my little cassette countless times, and this was the track I looked forward to. What makes it unforgettable is the Eastern-style riff, reminiscent of a sitar. This is doubtless the influence of Brian Jones, but what is Mick/Keith are the jovial harmonies on the bridge. I've always been mesmerized by the sounds of their voices tangled up in each other. I found an old journal of mine, when I first got into the Stones, and even then I noted how I loved the sound of their vocals melting together. The subject matter is humorous, but I always think it's funny that a lippy twenty-something was doing social commentary.
"Picture Book", The Kinks, The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society.
I love the Kinks. Let's get that out there. I've got such crazy respect for them. Dave Davies was a maniac guitar player and Ray Davies remains one of the most treasured songsters of our time. Amid the Sixties mania, the Kinks never lost their touch. The Stones were scrambling to rival Sgt. Pepper and were half-assing stuff like Their Satanic Majesties Request. The Kinks never fell into that psychedelia bullshit, they stayed true to doing whatever they pleased. It wasn't long before they progressed from power chord pioneers (a la the aforementioned "You Really Got Me" and also "All Day and All of the Night") to uniquely English flavors, like Face to Face, but this was all still akin to their peers. They soon transcended into their golden age, and despite being a blatantly genius group, they went partly unnoticed. The Kinks were innovative and enduring but, as I said, people seemed more interested in the forced production of the Stones' psychedelia than the real deal sounds of the Kinks -- whom incorporated lavish production, catchy choruses, baroque elements, and the traditional music hall sounds the Stones strived for. They cranked it up, and blew their peers out of the water. "Picture Book" is just a simple example of their unrivaled, crafty, and eccentric talents. Listen to it, and you'll be sure to be dancing and humming all day. I love the way he says 'papa' and 'mama'.
"Going to California", Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin IV.
When songs like this come on the radio, there's something romantic about it for me. Of all the songs that could be played, to play one of my favorites, and for me to catch it -- It puts me in a celestial state. I caught this song the other day, and I just wanted to hole up with it on repeat forever. But, truth to be told, "Going to California" has that effect on me always. I like ballads, I guess. A good ballad can get me in a nice and vulnerable state.Throw in an acoustic guitar (dropped to Joni Mitchell-esque tunings) and a mandolin, and you've got the recipe to my girlish gawking, when I am quietly captivated by their endearing genius.
"So Many Roads, So Many Trains", Otis Rush.
This song is explosive, and just really sexy. Sometimes I think, "If I made a list of the sexiest songs, what would be on it?" Quite possibly this. (And "Rumble" and "In My Time of Dying", but this list doesn't even exist... yet!) Otis Rush is a badass. He's got that gutsy voice matched with those wrenching guitars. With the horns humming, as he croons and wails, this song is utter perfection. The guitar burns, and he leaves you wanting more..
"You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio", Joni Mitchell, For the Roses.
For the Roses isn't my favorite record of Joni's, probably because its impossible to rival the greatness of the albums its sandwiched between (Blue and Court and Spark). But Joni's sarcastic reply to her record company's request for a single is easy listening that stands up well in its place. The way she says, "I'm a wiiiiiiildwood flower waving for you", the range she showcases throughout, and her use of words ("I know you don't like weak woman, you get bored so quick. And you don't like strong women, 'cause they're hip to your tricks") just make me love her so much more. Joni's apparently got a bad attitude, and her lists of conquests is enviable, but I love her, despite all of this. When I first discovered her, her words had such significance to me. Each word she sang rang true, and I looked at her albums as reflection and guidance. She provokes dramatic imagery, she's cynical, but she never fails to bring it all across in an eloquent and graceful manner. Her use of language is striking, and she is defenselessly honest.
"She's a Rainbow", The Rolling Stones, Their Satanic Majesties Request.
So yeah, I totally dissed Their Satanic Majesties Request just a few songs ago, but its still the Stones! It's still Mick, Keith, Bill, Brian, and Charlie! And HELLO, it's also Nicky Hopkins and John Paul Jones arranged strings, so let's not get carried away. Did the Stones ever get more whimsical? No, and I'm glad, but they did it really well. This song is funky and magical, in an entirely non-Sgt. Pepper way. So while they failed their initial goal, they created their own little mystical masterpiece. With rich lyrics, vibrant and ethereal piano by Nicky Hopkins (he was an unsung genius, leaving his marks on the best of the best!), lavish mellotron courtesy of Brian Jones, and lush string arrangements by JPJ -- what's not to like?! I mean, its really cutesy, and I'm sure getting a dude to cop to loving "She's a Rainbow" would be a task, but I just kind of want to prance around in a flowy white dress. Again, what's not to like?
"Keep On Growing", Derek and the Dominos, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.
I know it's a little taboo, but Eric Clapton, sometimes you bore me. I don't listen to anything post- Layla, but this album is magnificent, and so is a lot of stuff you did before. So... hooray, it's not all a build-up. A lot of the sheer energy of Layla is due to the awing Duane Allman, but he isn't on this track, so I'm handing it to Eric! Of course, the writing credit is split with Bobby Whitlock, who I like a lot. I don't have any particular reason to like him a lot, but I feel a lot of those Layla vibes are pure Bobby, but who knows? Maybe that's a manifestation of my imagination. All I know is that he occasionally belts out a random "Ooooh!" with are-you-really-white? intensity. I can give him that much. What I also know is that "Keep on Growing" is my JAM. This was the first non-obvious (i.e. "Layla", "Bell Bottom Blues") song I fell for, and it still stands up. The Dominos were just a great band. They played better than any other group Eric's had, Eric's voice melted magnificently with Bobby's, and nearly every track had DUANE ALLMAN on it. It was a recipe for success, and I'll never quit bitching about how they were so dumb for quitting. Of all the mistakes Eric Clapton has made... To name a few: Getting that awful perm, becoming a heroin addict, switching it up to become an alcoholic, marrying Pattie Boyd, screwing Carla Bruni, bringing her around Mick Jagger, screwing Sheryl Crow... ditching the Dominos was one of the worst. I probably insulted EC as many times as I complimented him. Oh well, "Keep on Growing" fills me with such glee, I don't care!
I love music. I love writing about music. Most of these dudes are English. London. Four days. Get pumped.
"Should I Stay or Should I Go", The Clash, Combat Rock.
I'm falling into a big Clash phase. I'm excited and welcoming it with open arms. Obviously, this is a classic and known by all. It has no relevance to my Clash phase, but I'm simply enthralled by a few aspects. A) I fucking love Mick Jones, and his voice. It's awkward, it's rough, and it's far from perfect, but it just works so well. It's classically English, and a little dopey, and I really love it. B) The Spanish backing vocals!!! Such fun. The Clash's recordings just make me think they were the funnest bunch to be around. I've never had any attitude of desire towards that late Seventies punk movement, but the Clash make me want to have been a part of it! I'm sure Joe Strummer's shitty Ecuadorian Spanish has a bit to do with that. That, in addition to the overall cat-call feel of the vocals by all (i.e. "Split!") rouse me with great joy.
"Goodbye Blue Sky", Pink Floyd, The Wall.
Another song I'm more than familiar with, but its haunting melody is just that -- haunting, lingering. It's a song I can't skip when it comes on, and I may even have to play it more than once. With David Gilmour's ever-tranquil vocals, matched with his delicate and masterful guitar work, yet contrasted by the sinister theme and tone of the overall song -- it's a prime example of Pink Floyd serving up sheer brilliance in an uncharacteristically short amount of time. In less than three minutes, I am transcended and its all because of the intricately layered vocals, soothing guitars, and moody synthesizers. Pink Floyd hasn't been too active in my realm lately, but I feel a resurgence coming on.
"Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", Jeff Beck, Wired.
Oh, Jeff Beck. I loved you in the Yardbirds, and I gobble up those brilliant three minute pop songs. I hate three minute pop songs, but oh, you guys did them to perfection. But what is truly a testament to Jeff's title of "guitar genius/god/absolutely brilliant and underrated" are his biggest solo successes, Blow by Blow and Wired. I prefer Blow by Blow to Wired, but I'm currently absolutely captivated by Jeff's take on Mingus' jazz classic. I listened to both records last night, in utter darkness as I attempted to drift into slumber. With nothing but his otherworldly sounds to focus on, the albums took on an entirely new significance. More than ever before, his sheer talent was blindingly obvious. Within the five-plus minutes, he conjures up raunchy noises, beautiful melodies, and hypnotic riffs. He does things with his guitar that no one else comes close to, and it literally is trance-worthy. There is such warmth and precision in his playing, but its also laced with spontaneity. I don't know a thing about guitar technicalities, but what I do know is emotion. Jeff Beck certainly stirs them within me, and he doesn't even say a fucking word.
"Sleeping", The Band, Stage Fright.
Unlike Jeff Beck, Richard Manuel absolutely took advantage of his voice to do that soul stirring, and he was an utter pro. Emulating the great masters of crooning that the Band loved so much, Richard himself could have taught course on eternally soulful and heartfelt performances. While this song wax poetic about sleeping in, "to be called by noon is to be called too soon", Richard masterfully uses his whopping voice to calmly serenade. The Band is rollicking behind him, which Robbie taking a typically simple, choppy, shredding solo. This is all enjoyable, but its Richard's sly hopping between the bold chorus and the elegant and fragile verses that make the track a gem worth remembering.
"Mother's Little Helper", The Rolling Stones, Aftermath.
This song never caught my attention, until I went through a phase where I played the astounding Hot Rocks compilation over and over. I spun my little cassette countless times, and this was the track I looked forward to. What makes it unforgettable is the Eastern-style riff, reminiscent of a sitar. This is doubtless the influence of Brian Jones, but what is Mick/Keith are the jovial harmonies on the bridge. I've always been mesmerized by the sounds of their voices tangled up in each other. I found an old journal of mine, when I first got into the Stones, and even then I noted how I loved the sound of their vocals melting together. The subject matter is humorous, but I always think it's funny that a lippy twenty-something was doing social commentary.
"Picture Book", The Kinks, The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society.
I love the Kinks. Let's get that out there. I've got such crazy respect for them. Dave Davies was a maniac guitar player and Ray Davies remains one of the most treasured songsters of our time. Amid the Sixties mania, the Kinks never lost their touch. The Stones were scrambling to rival Sgt. Pepper and were half-assing stuff like Their Satanic Majesties Request. The Kinks never fell into that psychedelia bullshit, they stayed true to doing whatever they pleased. It wasn't long before they progressed from power chord pioneers (a la the aforementioned "You Really Got Me" and also "All Day and All of the Night") to uniquely English flavors, like Face to Face, but this was all still akin to their peers. They soon transcended into their golden age, and despite being a blatantly genius group, they went partly unnoticed. The Kinks were innovative and enduring but, as I said, people seemed more interested in the forced production of the Stones' psychedelia than the real deal sounds of the Kinks -- whom incorporated lavish production, catchy choruses, baroque elements, and the traditional music hall sounds the Stones strived for. They cranked it up, and blew their peers out of the water. "Picture Book" is just a simple example of their unrivaled, crafty, and eccentric talents. Listen to it, and you'll be sure to be dancing and humming all day. I love the way he says 'papa' and 'mama'.
"Going to California", Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin IV.
When songs like this come on the radio, there's something romantic about it for me. Of all the songs that could be played, to play one of my favorites, and for me to catch it -- It puts me in a celestial state. I caught this song the other day, and I just wanted to hole up with it on repeat forever. But, truth to be told, "Going to California" has that effect on me always. I like ballads, I guess. A good ballad can get me in a nice and vulnerable state.Throw in an acoustic guitar (dropped to Joni Mitchell-esque tunings) and a mandolin, and you've got the recipe to my girlish gawking, when I am quietly captivated by their endearing genius.
"So Many Roads, So Many Trains", Otis Rush.
This song is explosive, and just really sexy. Sometimes I think, "If I made a list of the sexiest songs, what would be on it?" Quite possibly this. (And "Rumble" and "In My Time of Dying", but this list doesn't even exist... yet!) Otis Rush is a badass. He's got that gutsy voice matched with those wrenching guitars. With the horns humming, as he croons and wails, this song is utter perfection. The guitar burns, and he leaves you wanting more..
"You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio", Joni Mitchell, For the Roses.
For the Roses isn't my favorite record of Joni's, probably because its impossible to rival the greatness of the albums its sandwiched between (Blue and Court and Spark). But Joni's sarcastic reply to her record company's request for a single is easy listening that stands up well in its place. The way she says, "I'm a wiiiiiiildwood flower waving for you", the range she showcases throughout, and her use of words ("I know you don't like weak woman, you get bored so quick. And you don't like strong women, 'cause they're hip to your tricks") just make me love her so much more. Joni's apparently got a bad attitude, and her lists of conquests is enviable, but I love her, despite all of this. When I first discovered her, her words had such significance to me. Each word she sang rang true, and I looked at her albums as reflection and guidance. She provokes dramatic imagery, she's cynical, but she never fails to bring it all across in an eloquent and graceful manner. Her use of language is striking, and she is defenselessly honest.
"She's a Rainbow", The Rolling Stones, Their Satanic Majesties Request.
So yeah, I totally dissed Their Satanic Majesties Request just a few songs ago, but its still the Stones! It's still Mick, Keith, Bill, Brian, and Charlie! And HELLO, it's also Nicky Hopkins and John Paul Jones arranged strings, so let's not get carried away. Did the Stones ever get more whimsical? No, and I'm glad, but they did it really well. This song is funky and magical, in an entirely non-Sgt. Pepper way. So while they failed their initial goal, they created their own little mystical masterpiece. With rich lyrics, vibrant and ethereal piano by Nicky Hopkins (he was an unsung genius, leaving his marks on the best of the best!), lavish mellotron courtesy of Brian Jones, and lush string arrangements by JPJ -- what's not to like?! I mean, its really cutesy, and I'm sure getting a dude to cop to loving "She's a Rainbow" would be a task, but I just kind of want to prance around in a flowy white dress. Again, what's not to like?
"Keep On Growing", Derek and the Dominos, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.
I know it's a little taboo, but Eric Clapton, sometimes you bore me. I don't listen to anything post- Layla, but this album is magnificent, and so is a lot of stuff you did before. So... hooray, it's not all a build-up. A lot of the sheer energy of Layla is due to the awing Duane Allman, but he isn't on this track, so I'm handing it to Eric! Of course, the writing credit is split with Bobby Whitlock, who I like a lot. I don't have any particular reason to like him a lot, but I feel a lot of those Layla vibes are pure Bobby, but who knows? Maybe that's a manifestation of my imagination. All I know is that he occasionally belts out a random "Ooooh!" with are-you-really-white? intensity. I can give him that much. What I also know is that "Keep on Growing" is my JAM. This was the first non-obvious (i.e. "Layla", "Bell Bottom Blues") song I fell for, and it still stands up. The Dominos were just a great band. They played better than any other group Eric's had, Eric's voice melted magnificently with Bobby's, and nearly every track had DUANE ALLMAN on it. It was a recipe for success, and I'll never quit bitching about how they were so dumb for quitting. Of all the mistakes Eric Clapton has made... To name a few: Getting that awful perm, becoming a heroin addict, switching it up to become an alcoholic, marrying Pattie Boyd, screwing Carla Bruni, bringing her around Mick Jagger, screwing Sheryl Crow... ditching the Dominos was one of the worst. I probably insulted EC as many times as I complimented him. Oh well, "Keep on Growing" fills me with such glee, I don't care!
I love music. I love writing about music. Most of these dudes are English. London. Four days. Get pumped.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
It's been awhile.....
Ok so it's been like 3 months since we've posted an actual update to our blog... let me try and remember most of what has happened.....
July 9th was Shawn's 30th birthday. He made me PROMISE not to have a party so I agreed and we just went out for dinner. I wanted his birthday to be special so I called around and found this piano bar downtown Dallas that I thought would remind him of the piano bar we loved on our honeymoon on the Cruise. So we drive all the way downtown and get to the restaurant and it was a total joke. There was no piano that night, they informed me it had been moved to the next night and the food was horrible. It was pretty sad but of course Shawn didn't mind. For his birthday he got some camping gear (which we have yet to use) and permission to buy me an IPHONE 3G. He has been wanting to buy me one since he got his for his birthday in 2008 but I had a really hard time spending that much money on a phone so I never let him. So, for his birthday I finally let him buy me one. And let me say, it was the best gift I could have ever given him. haha! I love mine so much and I truly do not know how I ever lived without it.
The rest of July was spent mostly house searching. We thought we were going to have to wait another year before we would be able to buy a home but after talking with some different loan officers and real estate agents it turned out we were going to be able to buy one this year! So we spent most of July and August looking for the perfect home and we finally found it and closed on it August 26th.
It's a 3 bedroom 2 bath about 1800 sq ft home in McKinney about 3 minutes away from Shawn's brother Scott's house. It's absolutely perfect for us. I have a music room with my piano that I have been teaching lessons out of, Shawn has an office/study for him to do work in and Tozer has a great big back yard. It's been really fun decorating and figuring out where everything should go. Shawn has also really enjoyed doing the yard every weekend. Our mortgage payment is actually LESS than our rent was at the apartment so we are actually saving money, not to mention the investment we are putting into.
Our lease at the apartment was not up until October so we took our time moving into the house and didn't officially move in until September 18th. My parents came in town the weekend before we moved in and brought us a lot of furniture that we had picked out of storage including a refrigerator, two couches, and some coffee tables. The extra fridge my parents had was white so Shawn used appliance paint specially for refrigerators and painted it black so it would go better with our kitchen. It turned out great! Move in weekend went smoothly and there were really no major issues. My parents came in town again the weekend after we were moved in and helped us get organized. Shawn's mom Joyce came in town the first weekend in October to see the new place and to visit Scott and Amy and their kids. So much has happened in these last few months it's difficult to remember it all.
Tozer graduated from intermediate dog training in September. We were very proud of him and the trainer actually recommended him to take the "good citizens test" because he has great mannerisms.
Shawn and I went and saw one of our favorite bands Wilco play at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas last weekend. It was a really good show and it was great hearing their new album live for the first time.
The next day we went to The Texas State Fair for the first time for either of us. I had heard so much about it and was so excited to go and see all the animals and weird food. We ended up eating Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches as our "weird food". It was surprisingly really good but it made Shawn's tummy hurt afterwards.
Teaching piano has been amazing. I keep getting call after call from just word of mouth. I really feel like God has confirmed to me that this is what I am supposed to be doing. I might possibly be getting into a Christian school next Spring to teach lessons in the school so please pray for that.
Also, Shawn officially has a Texas State License!
OK I'm done now. Maybe since I'm all caught up I will start posting more often. God Bless.
-Emily
July 9th was Shawn's 30th birthday. He made me PROMISE not to have a party so I agreed and we just went out for dinner. I wanted his birthday to be special so I called around and found this piano bar downtown Dallas that I thought would remind him of the piano bar we loved on our honeymoon on the Cruise. So we drive all the way downtown and get to the restaurant and it was a total joke. There was no piano that night, they informed me it had been moved to the next night and the food was horrible. It was pretty sad but of course Shawn didn't mind. For his birthday he got some camping gear (which we have yet to use) and permission to buy me an IPHONE 3G. He has been wanting to buy me one since he got his for his birthday in 2008 but I had a really hard time spending that much money on a phone so I never let him. So, for his birthday I finally let him buy me one. And let me say, it was the best gift I could have ever given him. haha! I love mine so much and I truly do not know how I ever lived without it.
The rest of July was spent mostly house searching. We thought we were going to have to wait another year before we would be able to buy a home but after talking with some different loan officers and real estate agents it turned out we were going to be able to buy one this year! So we spent most of July and August looking for the perfect home and we finally found it and closed on it August 26th.
It's a 3 bedroom 2 bath about 1800 sq ft home in McKinney about 3 minutes away from Shawn's brother Scott's house. It's absolutely perfect for us. I have a music room with my piano that I have been teaching lessons out of, Shawn has an office/study for him to do work in and Tozer has a great big back yard. It's been really fun decorating and figuring out where everything should go. Shawn has also really enjoyed doing the yard every weekend. Our mortgage payment is actually LESS than our rent was at the apartment so we are actually saving money, not to mention the investment we are putting into.
Our lease at the apartment was not up until October so we took our time moving into the house and didn't officially move in until September 18th. My parents came in town the weekend before we moved in and brought us a lot of furniture that we had picked out of storage including a refrigerator, two couches, and some coffee tables. The extra fridge my parents had was white so Shawn used appliance paint specially for refrigerators and painted it black so it would go better with our kitchen. It turned out great! Move in weekend went smoothly and there were really no major issues. My parents came in town again the weekend after we were moved in and helped us get organized. Shawn's mom Joyce came in town the first weekend in October to see the new place and to visit Scott and Amy and their kids. So much has happened in these last few months it's difficult to remember it all.
Tozer graduated from intermediate dog training in September. We were very proud of him and the trainer actually recommended him to take the "good citizens test" because he has great mannerisms.
Shawn and I went and saw one of our favorite bands Wilco play at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas last weekend. It was a really good show and it was great hearing their new album live for the first time.
The next day we went to The Texas State Fair for the first time for either of us. I had heard so much about it and was so excited to go and see all the animals and weird food. We ended up eating Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches as our "weird food". It was surprisingly really good but it made Shawn's tummy hurt afterwards.
Teaching piano has been amazing. I keep getting call after call from just word of mouth. I really feel like God has confirmed to me that this is what I am supposed to be doing. I might possibly be getting into a Christian school next Spring to teach lessons in the school so please pray for that.
Also, Shawn officially has a Texas State License!
OK I'm done now. Maybe since I'm all caught up I will start posting more often. God Bless.
-Emily
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)